Tampa, FL – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently announced the 12 honorees of its inaugural Diversity Recognition Program, which celebrates contributions of AIA members toward the goal of a more diverse profession. PBS&J was honored to be included as one of the twelve whose work constitutes Best Practices in encouraging diversity.

“To be recognized for our diversity program by the AIA is a reflection of our corporate commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging work environment,” says Cecilia Green, executive vice president and corporate board sponsor for PBS&J’s Corporate Diversity Advisory Council. “We are continuously trying to create awareness through our communications program and the Franklin Covey Champion Diversity workshop for our managers.”

The Diversity Recognition Program seeks to recognize architects working in firms, schools, and other areas. The top 12 honorees were selected from a field of 33 submissions.

“As jurors, we were as impressed by the range of submissions as we were by the innovative ways in which diversity can and should be addressed nationwide,” wrote juror Renee Kemp-Rotan. “We look forward to the continuation of this program annually and strongly recommend that many of these practices be replicated throughout this great profession and this great nation, wherever and whenever applicable.”

In addition to PBS&J, the other honorees for AIA Diversity Best Practices for 2008 are:

• AIA Denver Women in Design, Denver
• AIA Kansas City Women in Design Committee, Kansas City, Mo.
• BRR Architecture, Diversity Committee, Support Programs, Leadership Opportunities, and Community Caring Program, Merriam, Kans.
• Boston Society of Architects, Youth Programs, Boston
• Boston Society of Architects, Inclusive Networks, Boston
• HOK, Diversity Awareness and Inclusion Initiative, offices nationwide
• KKE Architects, Architectural Youth Program, Minneapolis
• Lori A. Brown, AIA, Gendered Landscapes, Syracuse, N.Y. (Honorable Mention)
• Mehrnoosh Mojallali, AIA, The Association of Women in Architecture Group Exhibit, Venice Beach, Calif.
• Oscar L. Harris, FAIA, mentor in diversity, Atlanta
• David Goldstein, AIA, Santa Barbara County High School Architectural Design Competition, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Submissions by this year’s award recipients will be displayed at the 2009 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco and will also be added to the collection of Best Practices currently being developed on the AIA Web site’s diversity page in January 2009.

About PBS&J
PBS&J (www.pbsj.com) is an employee-owned company that provides infrastructure planning, engineering, construction management, architecture, and program management services to public and private clients. The firm is ranked by Engineering News-Record as 29th among the nation’s top consulting firms. PBS&J has nearly 3,900 employees and more than 80 offices across the United States and abroad.

Contact:
Kathy Botticello
Manager, Branding and Communications
Toll-free:800.284.5182, ext. 4266
Phone:407.806.4226
Fax:407.838.1602
klbotticello@pbsj.com

Mailing Address:
PBS&J
482 S. Keller Road
Orlando, Florida 32810

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